Di Canio could light up United's quest in Europe

By Henry Winter

6:15PM GMT 14 Jan 2002

SIR ALEX FERGUSON has always enjoyed a drop of claret and he remains determined to blend West Ham United's Paolo Di Canio into his resurgent Reds. Negotiations are "on-going", according to Manchester United, in a deal rapidly becoming a saga. At least the haggling allows a proper examination of the transfer's logic.

Until last month, United's most urgent need was for a centre-half, not a centre-forward. Ferguson still needs a top-class stopper like PSV Eindhoven's Kevin Hofland but, following recent developments, the recruitment drive focuses also on a striker.

Andy Cole is out of the club and Dwight Yorke out of favour so Ferguson seeks a partner for Ruud van Nistelrooy. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can play the part in the Premiership, where Ferguson has returned to a more orthodox twin-pronged attack. Ryan Giggs, when fit, can also complement Van Nistelrooy, as Fulham found out. Di Canio is being bought for European combat - hence the haste to sign him before the Champions League deadline - as Ferguson perseveres with his 4-4-1-1 formation with a ghosting creator like Di Canio playing off Van Nistelrooy, dribbling, passing and winning free-kicks for David Beckham to exploit.

This being the case, it is impossible to escape the belief that Ferguson allowed Teddy Sheringham, the subtlest of link-men, to leave too early. At least, Di Canio echoes Sheringham in touch and positioning although he is not as selfless. But will an Italian who often seems an olive short of the full ciabatta fit in at Old Trafford? Will this maverick upset the all-for-one equilibrium that makes United's dressing-room the strongest in the land? Di Canio's manager at Sheffield Wednesday, Ron Atkinson, nicknamed the famous referee-pusher "The Volcano" because "he is always liable to erupt. Talk about people with short fuses - this guy hardly has any blue touch-paper at all".

But the likelihood is that the Roman will prove of short-term use for United for a number of reasons. Ferguson has the knack of successfully assimilating supposedly awkward customers (salut, Eric!). As a one-time attacker of modest talent (if monumental commitment), Ferguson reveres technically blessed strikers (witness his admiration for Kenny Dalglish, Cantona and now Di Canio) and will ensure Di Canio is given the best chance of succeeding.

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Remembering the marvellously composed FA Cup goal Di Canio scored against them last season, Ferguson's players will know that a highly capable newcomer enters their dressing-room and will welcome him accordingly. Di Canio, who has never been short of belief in his own gifts, will feel at home amongst such international footballing celebrities as Beckham and Barthez, Veron and Van Nistelrooy. Any slacking and Roy Keane will be on to him.

The move should work because Di Canio needs it to; at 33, time is short for a footballer whose collection of honours does not reflect his obvious ability. When I talked to Glenn Roeder last month, the West Ham manager recalled Ferguson's earlier interest in Di Canio and why he felt the Italian would enjoy Old Trafford. "Had he gone there, Di Canio wouldn't have been any trouble for Alex whatsoever because Manchester United's squad are so talented," Roeder told me. "They would have matched his own standards, even been above his standards."

West Ham do not want to lose their captain. For Roeder, a fee of £2-3 million hardly releases vast sums for re-building. Besides, Frederic Kanoute is likely to be seduced by Serie A offers in the summer - the smart euros being on Juventus. Roeder, who has been doing a commendable job with limited resources, is heading for a striker shortage, although Jermain Defoe's emergence has been a joy to behold.

Defoe has also been delighting at Under-21 level and England certainly owe a debt of gratitude to West Ham; Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard were groomed at the `Academy' while the rejuvenated Joe Cole and, particularly, Michael Carrick exude England potential. Looking to the future, Roeder is also "really, really hopeful" for Glen Johnson, of England Under-19s and West Ham reserves. Johnson, 17, is a central defender or right-back, whom the club hope will grow beyond his current 5ft 11in.

But West Ham, like Manchester United and Liverpool, mix their youngsters with expert imports and Di Canio will leave a substantial hole, particularly if Kanoute loses fitness or Defoe tires. Di Canio's exit must be offset by the board tackling the accusation that they lack ambition by finding proper funds for Roeder.